Pulitzer-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar has made his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), this time contributing his musical talents to the title track of Captain America: Brave New World. The highly anticipated fourth film in the Captain America franchise, starring Anthony Mackie, hit theaters on February 14.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Mackie, who plays Sam Wilson, shared his excitement about Lamar’s involvement in the film’s score. The 46-year-old actor expressed his admiration for Lamar’s artistry, praising his mastery and influence. “Kendrick did the title song for my movie—I hope that’s not supposed to be a surprise,” Mackie said. “I’m so excited, man. The beauty and mastery of his craft.”
While Mackie kept the song’s title under wraps, fans who flocked to theaters were thrilled to hear Lamar’s track. It turned out that Lamar’s 2015 hit, “i” (Single Version), was chosen as the title track for the film. Originally released on September 23, 2014, as the lead single from his third studio album To Pimp a Butterfly, the song’s version in the film differs slightly from the one on the album.
This marks Lamar’s second major collaboration with the MCU. His first was Black Panther: The Album for the 2018 blockbuster Black Panther. The soundtrack, which featured hit songs like “All the Stars” with SZA, “King’s Dead” with Jay Rock, Future, and James Blake, and “Pray for Me” with The Weeknd, played a huge role in the cultural impact of the film.
Lamar’s latest MCU collaboration follows an already eventful 2025. Earlier this month, he dominated the Grammys, winning five awards for his diss track, “Not Like Us” aimed at Drake. Additionally, Lamar performed the song at the Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans, with tennis star Serena Williams, a performance that quickly went viral.
Fans can now catch Captain America: Brave New World in theaters worldwide.